Is the ebook a dead format?
thebookseller.com – Monday July 24, 2017
Nowadays, the ebook has a reputation for technological conservatism - so it is easy to forget that there was significant anticipation for the Kindle’s arrival ten years ago.
In a 2009 editorial, The Bookseller declared the device was “a giant leap for all”. The Kindle was frequently compared to the iPod’s transformative effect on the music industry. No wonder - the ebook format promised several advantages. Users could adjust typographic settings for improved accessibility; there was an increased level of portability; and the move to digital distribution promised the ability to purchase publishers’ extensive back catalogues.
But despite the early promise of the ebook, many are questioning whether it has lived up to these expectations. In recent years, the ebook has faced significant backlash amid reports of declining sales in trade publishing. The Publishing Association Yearbook 2016 noted a 17% slump in the sale of consumer ebooks while physical book revenue increased by 8%. Over the last couple of years, audiobooks have replaced ebooks as digital publishing’s critical darling on the back of a rapid increase in revenue. In this climate, several commentators have asked “how ebooks lost their shine.”
Vermont author says writing what you know isn’t always the best practice
mvtimes.com – Wednesday July 12, 2017
Jeffrey Lent takes a hammer to the popular advice for young writers, “Write what you know,” and shatters it. In his new book, “Before We Sleep,” 17-year-old Katey Snow goes on a journey of self-discovery. The story follows Katey, her mother Ruth, and her father Oliver in a tiny Vermont town in the 1960s as they grapple with the aftereffects of World War II.
Lent, who, to maintain transparency, is my uncle, has written numerous historical fiction books including “In the Fall” and “A Slant of Light.” He will be on a panel at “Islanders Write” on August 14, talking about how to write believable characters from a different gender. I sat down with him recently to talk about gender in literature, and why it’s important to go beyond what you know.
Want to know the secret to writing a great crime novel?
irishtimes.com – Saturday July 8, 2017
Can You Keep a Secret? is the name of Karen Perry’s forthcoming novel. It is applicable to the content and action of the narrative of the novel but not to how it was written, or any other novel for that matter. Because there is no secret. No formula, no magic potion, and no short cut to what goes into the writing of a novel. And it doesn’t matter what genre we are talking about. It doesn’t matter whether the novel is a thriller, a mystery or a literary novel. Yes, that’s right, the literary novel is a genre, too. Each genre comes with its own codes and conventions, but that does not mean there is a formula.
When does a writer become a professional?
thebookseller.com – Wednesday July 5, 2017
At what point does a writer earn the right to declare they are A Writer without a self-deprecating smirk? When does a website of online fan fiction, run as a passion project, become part of The Publishing Industry? How many copies of your ebook do you have to sell before your mate, who sorted the cover, is A Bona Fide Book Designer?
Meet the woman, 50, who earns a six figure income writing ROMANCE NOVELS while holding down a part time job (and it all started with a chat with the girls over wine)
dailymail.co.uk – Wednesday June 28, 2017
If you've ever dreamed of writing yourself into a love story or becoming a bestselling romantic author, now's the time to do so.
At least that's what New Zealand woman and USA Today's bestselling author Bronwen Evans, 50, believes.
The author, now part-time businesswoman and president of Romance Writers New Zealand spoke to Daily Mail Australia about her success, and how to get started.
Want to learn how to write a crime book? Just ask the experts
dailyrecord.co.uk – Wednesday June 28, 2017
New crime writer Chris McGarry spoke to Scottish crime heavyweights Val McDermid and Chris Brookmyre to get insider knowledge on writing a hit.
Top Tips for Writing a Killer Proposal
foyles.co.uk – Friday June 16, 2017
Writing a dazzling nonfiction proposal that will attract publishers is an art. As an agent I spend a lot of timing honing nonfiction proposals with authors. Here are ten top tips that all budding authors should bear in mind when putting together a killer proposal.
Andrea Mara on having the confidence to write a novel
irishexaminer.com – Friday June 2, 2017
THIS time three years ago, I got up, put on a dress and heels, and drove to my office in Dublin’s Financial Services Centre to look at my long to-do list.
I know this not because it stands out in any way, but because back then it’s what I did every day.
Today, I’m sitting at my kitchen table in jeans and flats, looking at an equally long but very different to-do list, and getting set to launch my first book, a psychological thriller about a woman who sees something strange in her next-door neighbour’s garden.
Stuck While Writing? Try This Brilliant Advice
themarysue.com – Wednesday May 31, 2017
Every writer knows that while there are the blessed moments where words seem to pour forth in a magical river, sometimes the act of writing is like pulling teeth. Actually, pulling teeth sounds a lot easier than attempting to write when you’re blocked. The following approaches to getting unstuck could prove extremely helpful—I know they’ve helped me.
Scribbling at Sea
By Lesley Middleton
firstwriter.com – Monday May 29, 2017
Successful author, Diane Janes is interviewed by novice writer, Lesley Middleton
Most people boarding a cruise ship are looking forward to sightseeing, socialising and, perhaps most of all, relaxing on deck soaking up the sun. Not author Diane Janes though – at least not whilst she's on board as a guest speaker. When she's not enthralling passengers with talks about famous authors and real-life crime mysteries, she uses her time on the ship to write her own books. There are few interruptions and plenty of food and drink readily available so maybe more writers should follow her example.
As a novice writer, I was thrilled to meet Diane on a recent cruise on P&O's Oriana. Diane is generous in her encouragement to new writers. She will happily chat to cruise passengers with ambitions to see themselves in print and has tutored several courses for would-be authors, despite never having had any ambitions to become a teacher. She very graciously agreed to being interviewed by me.
Get the free newsletter | Submit a news item or article | Get Writers' News for your website
